Gault, who was a Virginian, began his naval career as an assistant surgeon in the U.S. Navy in 1855, but joined the C.S. Navy in 1861. He was also appointed acting paymaster in 1863 after Yonge’s dismissal. He served on the CSS Sumter, before being assigned to the CSS Alabama. After the sinking of that ship, he served in the C.S. Army, where he surrendered at Appomattox. Following the Civil War, he served as a doctor with an expedition exploring the Amazon River. Later he returned to Virginia and entered private practice. Gault died in 1915.